Biography of William Hugh Binnie

Internationally acclaimed oral pathologist Dr William Hugh Binnie graduated from the University of Glasgow B.D.S in 1963. He first matriculated at the University in 1957 to study for a medical degree, specialising in Dentistry.

Binnie was born on 24 December 1939 in Glasgow, son of pharmacist William Hugh. He grew up in Bellshill and attended Glasgow Academy before enrolling at the University aged 17. After graduating, Binnie moved to North America and was awarded doctor of dental science degree at McGill University 1965 and a master’s degree in oral medicine and oral pathology from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1967.

He began his career as a dental surgeon and teacher at Guys Hospital Dental School in London. During this time he helped the World Health Organization to establish a dental school at the University of Nairobi. After finishing his post in London, Binnie moved to Texas to join the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1979 as a professor and chairman of the oral pathology department. Whilst in the States he oversaw the famous second autopsy of Lee Harvey Oswald. He became a naturalised citizen in 1986.

Binnie served as vice president of academic affairs for the Texas A&M Health Science Centre from 2000 until his retirement in 2006. He later moved to Scotland with his wife, where they opened a bed and breakfast. However Binnie remained active in his field and returned to his alma mater to teach part time at the University of Glasgow. He then gained another teaching position at the Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute, where he remained until he was diagnosed with cancer in June 2012.

Dr Binnie was extremely well respected in the field of oral pathology, and was inducted to the Baylor College of Dentistry’s Hall of Fame in 2012. He passed away aged 73 on 17 Aug 2013 at his home in St. Andrews.

The library holds two books co-authored by Dr Binnie, Oral cancer : clinical and pathological considerations and Oral cancer in England and Wales : a national study of morbidity, mortality, curability and related.

Summary

William Hugh Binnie
Dentist
Born 24 December 1939.
Died 17 August 2013.
University Link: Graduate, Professor
GU Degree: B.D.S, 1963;
Occupation categories: dentists
Record last updated: 29th Sep 2016

University Connections

University Roles

• Graduate
• Professor

Images

William Hugh Binnie's Final Year Dental Dinner Photograph